STDs of the Mouth and How to Avoid Them

by Tracey Sandilands

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are contracted through various forms of sexual activity. Oral sex, according to AVERT, is common to sexually active adults of all ages and orientations. This can result in the disease taking hold in the tissues surrounding the contact area, and some infections are more likely to affect the mouth than others.

The most common STDs of the mouth are herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Keep in mind it's also possible to contract illnesses such as Hepatitis A, B and C, as well as other gastrointestinal infections.

Method of Transmission

The main method of transmitting STDs of the mouth is through contact with bodily fluids. In most cases, the presence of oral sores causes fluids from an infected partner's genitals to enter the body, and a localized infection develops. Diseases can also be transmitted from the mouth of an infected person to the genitals of his or her partner.

Often, an oral STD doesn't produce any noticeable symptoms, according to Brown University's Student Health Services. So it's important to be aware of both your own oral health and that of your partner as best you can.

Treatment for Oral STDs

Your form of treatment will differ depending on the type of STD you have and its severity. Mild oral herpes, for example, can be treated through the prescription of a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain from oral blisters and lesions while the immune system works to restore your oral health. In more severe cases, however, anti-viral medications can help to speed up the process. Using a solution such as Colgate Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse cleanses and soothes mouth sores, and promotes healing in the process.

Oral gonorrhea is usually treated with a range of antibiotics called cephalosporins; however, the emergence of drug-resistant strains is causing concern among medical practitioners, so it's important for patients to follow treatment instructions very diligently. Syphilis is most commonly treated with penicillin, suggests Mayo Clinic, whereas oral chlamydia is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline, according to the CDC.

Prognosis

If you've had any of these STDs of the mouth in the past and received treatment for them, it's possible for you to contract the same or a different disease again if you have sexual contact with an infected partner. Oral herpes can remain dormant for some time and become active again down the line, particularly in patients who have weakened immune systems.

Prevention

The only way to prevent contracting an oral STD is to practice safe sex, including safe oral sex. You should also maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, which reduces your risk for developing any type of sore or infection in the mouth.

HIV/AIDS & STDs

Definition

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact (blood transfusion, HIV infected needles) and sexual contact.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can develop from sexual contact with someone with the infection. The most common conditions include but are not limited to chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS, human papilloma viruses (HPV), syphilis and trichomoniasis.

Oral Health Effects of HIV/AIDS and STDS

The most common oral issues for HIV/AIDS individuals are oral warts, fever blisters, hairy leukoplakia (black hairy tongue), oral thrush and canker sores. Other oral issues that occur in the mouth are dry mouth, which can lead to cavities, and difficulty eating and communicating. If you have HIV, changes in your mouth may reflect changes in your immune status. Some STDs can also affect your oral health; common symptoms of this are cold sores or sores on the inside of the mouth.